Segment And Geographic Information (Total Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 3,412,196	$ 3,266,821
Olefins [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,439,308	1,441,752
Vinyls [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,030,912	824,825
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 941,976	$ 1,000,244